Since the Dakar Rally fled Africa for South America the events spiritual home has been Argentina, the entrants departing from Buenos Aires for each of the last four years. For 2013 that changes as the Dakar Rally strikes into uncharted territory.

The Dakar Rally is among the least predictable motorsport events of the year â€“ more than 4,000km of competitive timed stages, across deserts, through valleys and over the Andes – and this year is more wide open than ever.